Coordinated transmission method and device

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide a coordinated transmission method and a device. The method includes: communicating, by a UE, with a macro base station in a subframe in a first subframe set; and communicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in a second subframe set; where the subframe in the first subframe set and the subframe in the second subframe set do not overlap. Technical solutions of the present invention solve a problem that application of a CoMP transmission technology is limited.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/618,499, filed on Feb. 10, 2015, which is a continuation ofInternational Application No. PCT/CN2012/080037, filed on Aug. 13, 2012.All of the afore-mentioned patent applications are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to communications technologies, and inparticular, to a coordinated transmission method and a device.

BACKGROUND

While networks are evolving towards broadband and mobile access, the 3rdgeneration partnership program (3GPP) organization proposes a long termevolution (LTE) solution in Release 8, and proposes a long termevolution-advanced (LTE-Advanced) solution in subsequent Release 10, toaddress aspects of mobile access networks. The coordinated multipoint(CoMP) transmission technology is one key focus of the research onLTE-Advanced. Currently, the CoMP technology mainly has four applicationscenarios (Scenario), where scenario 1 and scenario 2 are coordinatedmultipoint transmission between macro cells in a homogeneous network(Homnet), and scenario 3 and scenario 4 are coordinated multipointtransmission between a macro cell and a micro cell in a heterogeneousnetwork (Hetnet).

In the CoMP transmission technology, different transmit sources maytransmit same information, for example, different transmit sourcestransmit a same physical broadcast channel (PBCH) or physical downlinkcontrol channel (PDSCH); or may transmit matched information, forexample, different transmit sources respectively transmit a PDCCH and aphysical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). This requires that differenttransmit sources can share a context of a same user equipment (UE) inreal time, that is, it is required that different transmit sourcescommunicate with each other within the context of the UE. In which case,a delay in communication between different transmit sources has to bereduced to microseconds (μs). However, at present, the foregoing delayrequirement can only be met by interconnecting different transmitsources by means of optical fibers or high-speed microwaves. As is knownto all, the practice of interconnecting by means of optical fibers orhigh-speed microwaves is costly, which hinders the use of the CoMPtransmission technology.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a coordinated transmissionmethod and a device, which are used to solve a problem that applicationof a CoMP transmission technology is limited.

A first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides acoordinated transmission method, including:

communicating, by a user equipment UE, with a macro base station in asubframe in a first subframe set; and

communicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set; where

the subframe in the first subframe set and the subframe in the secondsubframe set do not overlap.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before thecommunicating, by a user equipment UE, with a macro base station in asubframe in a first subframe set, the method includes: determining, bythe UE, a downlink subframe in the first subframe set, where thedownlink subframe in the first subframe set meet that, if a downlinksubframe n belongs to the first subframe set, a downlink subframe (n+8)also belongs to the first subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before thecommunicating, by a user equipment UE, with a macro base station in asubframe in a first subframe set, the method further includes:determining, by the UE, a uplink subframe in the first subframe set,where the uplink subframe in the first subframe set meet that, if adownlink subframe n belongs to the first subframe set, an uplinksubframe (n+4) belongs to the first subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before thecommunicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, the method includes: determining, by the UE, adownlink subframe in the second subframe set, where the downlinksubframe in the second subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe mbelongs to the second subframe set, a downlink subframe (m+8) alsobelongs to the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before thecommunicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, the method further includes: determining, by theUE, a uplink subframe in the second subframe set, where the uplinksubframe in the second subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe mbelongs to the second subframe set, an uplink subframe (m+4) belongs tothe second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the UE communicatesin the downlink with the macro base station in the downlink subframe inthe first subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, that communicating,by the UE, in the downlink with the macro base station in the downlinksubframe in the first subframe set includes any one of the followingoperations or a combination thereof:

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set,a CRS and a channel demodulated based on the CRS that are sent by themacro base station;

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set,a PSS sent by the macro base station; and

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set,an SSS sent by the macro base station; and receiving, by the UE in thedownlink subframe in the first subframe set, an ePDCCH that isdemodulated based on a DMRS and sent by the macro base station.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the UE communicatesin the uplink with the macro base station in the uplink subframe in thefirst subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before the UEcommunicates in the uplink with the macro base station in the uplinksubframe in the first subframe set, the method includes: receiving, bythe UE, a first association relationship sent by the macro base stationor the micro base station, where the first association relationshipincludes an identifier of a logical channel associated with the firstsubframe set; and

communicating, by the UE, in the uplink with the macro base station inthe subframe in the first subframe set includes: sending, by the UE inthe uplink subframe in the first subframe set according to the firstassociation relationship, data on a radio bearer corresponding to theidentifier of the logical channel in the first association relationshipto the macro base station.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the UE communicatesin the downlink with the micro base station in the downlink subframe inthe second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, communicating, by theUE, in the downlink with the micro base station in the downlink subframein the second subframe set includes any one of the following operationsor a combination thereof:

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the second subframeset, a CSI-RS sent by the micro base station; and

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the second subframeset, a DMRS and a channel demodulated based on the DMRS that are sent bythe micro base station.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, the UE communicatesin the uplink with the micro base station in the uplink subframe in thesecond subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before the UEcommunicates in the uplink with the micro base station in the uplinksubframe in the second subframe set, the method includes: receiving, bythe UE, a second association relationship sent by the macro base stationor the micro base station, where the second association relationshipincludes an identifier of a logical channel associated with the secondsubframe set; and

communicating, by the UE, in the uplink with the micro base station inthe subframe in the second subframe set includes: sending, by the UE inthe uplink subframe in the second subframe set according to the secondassociation relationship, data on a radio bearer corresponding to theidentifier of the logical channel in the second association relationshipto the micro base station.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before the UEcommunicates with the macro base station in the subframe in the firstsubframe set and communicates with the micro base station subframe inthe subframe in the second subframe set, the method includes: receiving,by the UE, a configuration of the first subframe set and/or aconfiguration of the second subframe set sent by the macro base stationor the micro base station, so as to distinguish between the firstsubframe set and the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before thecommunicating, by a macro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a first subframe set, the method includes: receiving, by theUE, a first physical layer parameter configuration sent by the macrobase station or the micro base station; and

the communicating, by a user equipment UE, with a macro base station ina subframe in a first subframe set includes: communicating, by the UE,with the macro base station in the subframe in the first subframe setaccording to the first physical layer parameter configuration.

In an optional implementation of the first aspect, before thecommunicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, the method includes: receiving, by the UE, a secondphysical layer parameter configuration sent by the macro base station orthe micro base station; and

the communicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe ina second subframe set includes: communicating, by the UE, with the microbase station in the subframe in the second subframe set according to thesecond physical layer parameter configuration.

A second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides acoordinated transmission method, including:

communicating, by a macro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a first subframe set, where

the UE further communicates with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, where the subframe in the first subframe set andthe subframe in the second subframe set do not overlap.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, before thecommunicating, by a macro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a first subframe set, the method includes: sending, by themacro base station, the first subframe set and/or the second subframeset to the micro base station, so that the micro base station acquiresthe second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, before thecommunicating, by a macro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a first subframe set, the method includes: sending, by themacro base station, a HARQ process identifier set that is used by themacro base station and corresponds to the UE and/or a HARQ processidentifier set that is used by the micro base station and corresponds tothe UE to the micro base station, so that the micro base stationacquires the HARQ process identifier set that is used by the micro basestation and corresponds to the UE.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, before thecommunicating, by a macro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a first subframe set, the method includes: sending, by themacro base station to the UE, a first physical layer parameterconfiguration and a second physical layer parameter configurationrespectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, before the sending,by the macro base station to the UE, a first physical layer parameterconfiguration and a second physical layer parameter configurationrespectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set, the method includes: determining, by the macro basestation, the first physical layer parameter configuration; and receivingthe second physical layer parameter configuration sent by the micro basestation.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, before the sending,by the macro base station to the UE, a first physical layer parameterconfiguration and a second physical layer parameter configurationrespectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set, the method includes: determining, by the macro basestation, the first physical layer parameter configuration and the secondphysical layer parameter configuration separately; and

the coordinated transmission method further includes: sending, by themacro base station, the second physical layer parameter configuration tothe micro base station.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, the macro basestation communicates in the downlink with the UE in the downlinksubframe in the first subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, the communicating,by the macro base station, in the downlink with the UE in the downlinksubframe in the first subframe set includes any one of the followingoperations or a combination thereof:

sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set, a CRS and a channel demodulated based on the CRS to theUE;

sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set, a PSS to the UE;

sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set, an SSS to the UE; and

sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set, an ePDCCH demodulated based on a DMRS to the UE.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, the macro basestation communicates in the uplink with the UE in an uplink subframe inthe first subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, before the macrobase station communicates in the uplink with the UE in an uplinksubframe in the first subframe set, the method includes: sending, by themacro base station, a first association relationship to the UE, wherethe first association relationship includes an identifier of a logicalchannel associated with the first subframe set; and

the communicating, by the macro base station, in the uplink with the UEin an uplink subframe in the first subframe set includes: receiving, bythe macro base station in the uplink subframe in the first subframe set,data, sent by the UE, on a radio bearer corresponding to the identifierof the logical channel in the first association relationship.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, the method furtherincludes: sending, by the macro base station, a second associationrelationship to the UE, where the second association relationshipincludes an identifier of a logical channel associated with the secondsubframe set, so that the UE sends, in the uplink subframe in the secondsubframe set, data on a radio bearer corresponding to the identifier ofthe logical channel in the second association relationship to the microbase station.

In an optional implementation of the second aspect, before thecommunicating, by a macro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a first subframe set, the method includes: sending, by themacro base station, a configuration of the first subframe set and/or aconfiguration of the second subframe set to the UE, so that the UEdistinguishes between the first subframe set and the second subframeset.

A third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides acoordinated transmission method, including:

communicating, by a micro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a second subframe set, where

the UE further communicates with a macro base station in a subframe in afirst subframe set, where the subframe in the first subframe set and thesubframe in the second subframe set do not overlap.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, before thecommunicating, by a micro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a second subframe set, the method includes: receiving, bythe micro base station, the first subframe set and/or the secondsubframe set sent by the macro base station, so as to acquire the secondsubframe set.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, before thecommunicating, by a micro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a second subframe set, the method includes: receiving, bythe micro base station, a HARQ process identifier set that is used bythe macro base station and corresponds to the UE and/or a HARQ processidentifier set that is used by the micro base station and corresponds tothe UE, which are/is sent by the macro base station, so as to acquirethe HARQ process identifier set that is used by the micro base stationand corresponds to the UE.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, before thecommunicating, by a micro base station, with a user equipment UE in asubframe in a second subframe set, the method includes: sending, by themicro base station to the UE, a first physical layer parameterconfiguration and a second physical layer parameter configurationrespectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, before the sending,by the micro base station to the UE, a first physical layer parameterconfiguration and a second physical layer parameter configurationrespectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set, the method includes: determining, by the micro basestation, the second physical layer parameter configuration; andreceiving the first physical layer parameter configuration sent by themacro base station.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, before the sending,by the macro base station to the UE, a first physical layer parameterconfiguration and a second physical layer parameter configurationrespectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set, the method includes: determining, by the micro basestation, the first physical layer parameter configuration and the secondphysical layer parameter configuration separately; and

the coordinated transmission method further includes: sending, by themicro base station, the first physical layer parameter configuration tothe macro base station.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, the micro basestation communicates in the downlink with the UE in a downlink subframein the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, the communicating, bythe micro base station, in the downlink with the UE in a downlinksubframe in the second subframe set includes any one of the followingoperations or a combination thereof:

sending, by the micro base station in the downlink subframe in thesecond subframe set, a CSI-RS to the UE; and

sending, by the micro base station in the downlink subframe in thesecond subframe set, a DMRS and a channel demodulated based on the DMRSto the UE.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, the micro basestation communicates in the uplink with the UE in an uplink subframe inthe second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, before the micro basestation communicates in the uplink with the UE in an uplink subframe inthe second subframe set, the method includes: sending, by the micro basestation, a second association relationship to the UE, where the secondassociation relationship includes an identifier of a logical channelassociated with the second subframe set; and

the communicating, by the micro base station, in the uplink with the UEin an uplink subframe in the second subframe set includes: receiving, bythe micro base station in the uplink subframe in the second subframeset, data, sent by the UE, on a radio bearer corresponding to theidentifier of the logical channel in the second associationrelationship.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, the method furtherincludes: sending, by the micro base station, a first associationrelationship to the UE, where the first association relationshipincludes an identifier of a logical channel associated with the firstsubframe set, so that the UE sends, in the uplink subframe in the firstsubframe set, data on a radio bearer corresponding to the identifier ofthe logical channel in the first association relationship to the macrobase station.

In an optional implementation of the third aspect, before thecommunicating, by a micro base station, with a user equipment UE insubframes in a second subframe set, the method includes: sending, by themicro base station, a configuration of the first subframe set and/or aconfiguration of the second subframe set to the UE, so that the UEdistinguishes between the first subframe set and the second subframeset.

A fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides auser equipment, including:

a first communication unit, configured to communicate with a macro basestation in a subframe in a first subframe set; and

a second communication unit, configured to communicate with a micro basestation in a subframe in a second subframe set; where

the subframe in the first subframe set and the subframe in the secondsubframe set do not overlap.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the user equipmentfurther includes: a first determining unit, configured to determine adownlink subframe in the first subframe set, where the downlink subframein the first subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe n belongs tothe first subframe set, a downlink subframe (n+8) also belongs to thefirst subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the firstdetermining unit is further configured to determine an uplink subframein the first subframe set, where the uplink subframe in the firstsubframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe n belongs to the firstsubframe set, an uplink subframe (n+4) belongs to the first subframeset.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the user equipmentfurther includes: a second determining unit, configured to determine adownlink subframe in the second subframe set, where the downlinksubframe in the second subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe mbelongs to the second subframe set, a downlink subframe (m+8) alsobelongs to the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the seconddetermining unit is further configured to determine an uplink subframein the second subframe set, where the uplink subframe in the secondsubframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe m belongs to the firstsubframe set, an uplink subframe (m+4) belongs to the second subframeset.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the firstcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in thedownlink with the macro base station in the downlink subframe in thefirst subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, that the firstcommunication unit communicate in the downlink with the macro basestation in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set includesthat: the first communication unit is specifically configured to executeany one of the following operations or a combination thereof:

the first communication unit is specifically configured to receive, inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a CRS and a channeldemodulated based on the CRS that are sent by the macro base station;

the first communication unit is specifically configured to receive, inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a PSS sent by the macrobase station;

the first communication unit is specifically configured to receive, inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an SSS sent by themacro base station; and

the first communication unit is specifically configured to receive, inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an ePDCCH that isdemodulated based on a DMRS and sent by the macro base station.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the firstcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in theuplink with the macro base station in the uplink subframe in the firstsubframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the user equipmentfurther includes: a first receiving unit, configured to receive a firstassociation relationship sent by the macro base station or the microbase station, where the first association relationship includes anidentifier of a logical channel associated with the first subframe set;and

the first communication unit is specifically configured to send, in theuplink subframe in the first subframe set according to the firstassociation relationship received by first receiving unit, data on aradio bearer corresponding to the logical channel in the firstassociation relationship to the macro base station.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the secondcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in thedownlink with the micro base station in the downlink subframe in thesecond subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, that the secondcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in thedownlink with the micro base station in the downlink subframe in thesecond subframe set includes that: the second communication unit isspecifically configured to execute any one of the following operationsor a combination thereof:

the second communication unit is specifically configured to receive, inthe downlink subframe in the second subframe set, a CSI-RS sent by themicro base station; and

the second communication unit is specifically configured to receive, inthe downlink subframe in the second subframe set, a DMRS and a channeldemodulated based on the DMRS that are sent by the micro base station.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the secondcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in theuplink with the micro base station in the uplink subframe in the secondsubframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the user equipmentfurther includes: a second receiving unit, configured to receive asecond association relationship sent by the macro base station or themicro base station, where the second association relationship includesan identifier of a logical channel associated with the second subframeset; and

the second communication unit is specifically configured to send, in theuplink subframe in the second subframe set according to the secondassociation relationship, data on a radio bearer corresponding to theidentifier of the logical channel in the second association relationshipto the micro base station.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the user equipmentfurther includes: a third receiving unit, configured to receive aconfiguration of the first subframe set and/or a configuration of thesecond subframe set sent by the macro base station or the micro basestation, so as to distinguish between the first subframe set and thesecond subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the user equipmentfurther includes: a fourth receiving unit, configured to receive a firstphysical layer parameter configuration sent by the macro base station orthe micro base station, where

the first communication unit is specifically configured to communicatewith the macro base station in the subframe in the first subframe setaccording to the first physical layer parameter configuration.

In an optional implementation of the fourth aspect, the fourth receivingunit is further configured to receive a second physical layer parameterconfiguration sent by the macro base station or the micro base station,where

the second communication unit is specifically configured to communicatewith the micro base station in the subframe in the second subframe setaccording to the second physical layer parameter configuration.

A fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides amacro base station, including:

a third communication unit, configured to communicate with a userequipment UE in a subframe in a first subframe set, where

the UE further communicates with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, where the subframe in the first subframe set andthe subframe in the second subframe set do not overlap.

In an optional implementation of the fifth aspect, the macro basestation further includes: a second acquiring unit, configured toseparately determine the first physical layer parameter configurationand the second physical layer parameter configuration before the thirdsending unit sends the first physical layer parameter configuration andthe second physical layer parameter configuration to the UE; where

the third sending unit is further configured to send the second physicallayer parameter configuration to the micro base station.

In an optional implementation of the fifth aspect, the thirdcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in thedownlink with the UE in a downlink subframe in the first subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fifth aspect, that the thirdcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in thedownlink with the UE in the downlink subframe in the first subframe setincludes that: the third communication unit is specifically configuredto execute any one of the following operations or a combination thereof:

the third communication unit is specifically configured to send, in thedownlink subframe in the first subframe set, a CRS and a channeldemodulated based on the CRS to the UE;

the third communication unit is specifically configured to send, in thedownlink subframe in the first subframe set, a PSS to the UE;

the third communication unit is specifically configured to send, in thedownlink subframe in the first subframe set, an SSS to the UE; and

the third communication unit is specifically configured to send, in thedownlink subframe in the first subframe set, an ePDCCH demodulated basedon a DMRS to the UE.

In an optional implementation of the fifth aspect, the thirdcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in theuplink with the UE in an uplink subframe in the first subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the fifth aspect, the macro basestation further includes: a fourth sending unit, configured to send afirst association relationship to the UE, where the first associationrelationship includes an identifier of a logical channel associated withthe first subframe set; and

the third communication unit is specifically configured to receive, inthe uplink subframe in the first subframe set, data, sent by the UE, ona radio bearer corresponding to the identifier of the logical channel inthe first association relationship.

In an optional implementation of the fifth aspect, the fourth sendingunit is further configured to send a second association relationship tothe UE, where the second association relationship includes an identifierof a logical channel associated with the second subframe set, so thatthe UE sends, in the uplink subframe in the second subframe set, data ona radio bearer corresponding to the identifier of the logical channel inthe second association relationship to the micro base station.

In an optional implementation of the fifth aspect, the macro basestation further includes: a fifth sending unit, configured to send,before the third communication unit communicates with the UE in thesubframe in the first subframe set, a configuration of the firstsubframe set and/or a configuration of the second subframe set to theUE, so that the UE distinguishes between the first subframe set and thesecond subframe set.

A sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides amicro base station, including:

a fourth communication unit, configured to communicate with a userequipment UE in a subframe in a second subframe set, where

the UE further communicates with a macro base station in a subframe in afirst subframe set, where the subframe in the first subframe set and thesubframe in the second subframe set do not overlap.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the micro basestation further includes: a fifth receiving unit, configured to receivethe first subframe set and/or the second subframe set sent by the macrobase station, so as to acquire the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the micro basestation further includes: a sixth receiving unit, configured to receivea HARQ process identifier set that is used by the macro base station andcorresponds to the UE and/or a HARQ process identifier set that is usedby the micro base station and corresponds to the UE, which are/is sentby the macro base station, so as to acquire the HARQ process identifierset that is used by the micro base station and corresponds to the UE.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the micro basestation further includes: a sixth sending unit, configured to send afirst physical layer parameter configuration and a second physical layerparameter configuration respectively corresponding to the first subframeset and the second subframe set to the UE.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the micro basestation further includes: a third acquiring unit, configured to, beforethe sixth sending unit sends the first physical layer parameterconfiguration and the second physical layer parameter configuration tothe UE, determine the second physical layer parameter configuration, andreceive the first physical layer parameter configuration sent by themacro base station.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the micro basestation further includes: a fourth acquiring unit, configured toseparately determine the first physical layer parameter configurationand the second physical layer parameter configuration before the sixthsending unit sends the first physical layer parameter configuration andthe second physical layer parameter configuration to the UE; where

the sixth sending unit is further configured to send the first physicallayer parameter configuration to the macro base station.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the fourthcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in thedownlink with the UE in a downlink subframe in the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, that the fourthcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in thedownlink with the UE in a downlink subframe in the second subframe setincludes that: the fourth communication unit is specifically configuredto execute any one of the following operations or a combination thereof:

the fourth communication unit is specifically configured to send aCSI-RS to the UE in the downlink subframe in the second subframe set;and

the fourth communication unit is specifically configured to send a DMRSand a channel demodulated based on the DMRS to the UE in the downlinksubframe in the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the fourthcommunication unit is specifically configured to communicate in theuplink with the UE in an uplink subframe in the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the micro basestation further includes: a seventh sending unit, configured to send asecond association relationship to the UE, where the second associationrelationship includes an identifier of a logical channel associated withthe second subframe set; and

the fourth communication unit is specifically configured to receive, inthe uplink subframe in the second subframe set, data, sent by the UE, ona radio bearer corresponding to the identifier of the logical channel inthe second association relationship.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the seventh sendingunit is further configured to send a first association relationship tothe UE, where the first association relationship includes an identifierof a logical channel associated with the first subframe set, so that theUE sends, in the uplink subframe in the first subframe set, data on aradio bearer corresponding to the identifier of the logical channel inthe first association relationship to the macro base station.

In an optional implementation of the sixth aspect, the micro basestation further includes: an eighth sending unit, configured to send,before the fourth communication unit communicates with the UE in thesubframe in the second subframe set, a configuration of the firstsubframe set and/or a configuration of the second subframe set to theUE, so that the UE distinguishes between the first subframe set and thesecond subframe set.

In the coordinated transmission method and the device according to theembodiments of the present invention, a UE separately communicate with amacro base station and a micro base station in a time divisionmultiplexing, so that the macro base station and the micro base stationdo not need to share a context of the UE in real time, which lowers arequirement on a communication delay between transmit sources. In thisway, an interconnection between the macro base station and the microbase station is no longer limited, thereby expanding applicationscenarios and scopes of a coordinated transmission technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the presentinvention more clearly, the following briefly introduces theaccompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments.Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description showsome embodiments of the present invention, and persons of ordinary skillin the art may still derive other drawings from these accompanyingdrawings without creative efforts.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are uplink and downlink subframes in a firstsubframe set illustrated in an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of transmitting different RB data on a UEbetween the UE and different base stations (a macro base station and amicro base station) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a UE according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a UE according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a macro base stationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a micro base stationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of theembodiments of the present invention clearer, the following clearlydescribes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the presentinvention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodimentsof the present invention. Apparently, the described embodiments are apart rather than all of the embodiments of the present invention. Allother embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art basedon the embodiments of the present invention without creative effortsshall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

The CoMP transmission technology exhibits many advantages. However, inthe prior art, different transmit sources have to be interconnected bymeans of optical fibers or high-speed microwaves, to ensure that acommunication delay between different transmit sources is low enough forreal-time sharing of a context of a same UE by different transmitsources. The practice of interconnecting by optical fibers or high-speedmicrowaves is costly and hard-to-implement, and consequently hinders theuse of the CoMP transmission technology. To break through the bottleneckin the use of the CoMP transmission technology, the embodiments of thepresent invention provide a coordinated transmission method, which takesfull advantage of the CoMP transmission technology.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a coordinatedtransmission method, including: communicating, by a UE, communicationwith a macro base station in a subframe in a first subframe set; andcommunicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, where the subframe in the first subframe set andthe subframe in the second subframe set do not overlap, which then meansthat the UE separately communicates with the macro base station and themicro base station in a time division multiplexing manner.

The method according to this embodiment of the present invention may beapplied to a heterogeneous network, and may also be applied to ascenario in a homogeneous network in which coverage of a macro basestation and that of a micro base station overlap. More specifically, theUE of this embodiment is located in both coverage of the macro basestation and that of the micro base station, and separately communicateswith the macro base station and the micro base station in a timedivision multiplexing manner, which is different from a communicationmanner used when the UE is only in coverage of a macro base station orthat of a micro base station; and is also different from a communicationmanner used when the UE is located in both coverage of a macro basestation and that of a micro base station, but the macro base station andthe micro base station send a same control signal to the UE at the sametime, and the UE combines the two control signals. The macro basestation in this embodiment may be, but is not limited to a base station(eNB) in the fourth application scenario of CoMP. The micro base stationin this embodiment may be a low power node (LPN), such as a remote radiohead (RRH), in the fourth scenario of CoMP.

In this embodiment, a UE separately communicates with a macro basestation and a micro base station in a time division multiplexing manner,and a context of the UE is separately created on the macro base stationand the micro base station, so that the macro base station and the microbase station do not need to share a context of the UE in real time,which lowers a requirement on a communication delay of a backhaul linkbetween the macro base station and the micro base station. In this way,the macro base station and the micro base station are not required to beinterconnected by means of optical fibers or high-speed microwaves. Thecoordinated transmission method according to this embodiment is nolonger hindered by the manner in which the macro base station and themicro base station are interconnected, and can be applied to a widerapplication range, which takes full advantage of the coordinatedtransmission technology.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, before thecommunicating, by a UE, with a macro base station in a subframe in afirst subframe set and communicating, by the UE, with a micro basestation in a subframe in a second subframe set, the method includes:receiving, by the UE, a configuration of the first subframe set and/or aconfiguration of the second subframe set sent by the macro base stationor the micro base station, so as to determine the first subframe set andthe second subframe set.

The UE may determine, according to the configuration of the firstsubframe set, which subframe belong to the first subframe set, andmeanwhile, determine which subframe belong to the second subframe set.Alternatively, the UE may determine, according to the configuration ofthe second subframe set, which subframe belong to the second subframeset, and meanwhile, determine which subframe belong to the firstsubframe set. Alternatively, the UE may determine, according to theconfiguration of the first subframe set, which subframe belong to thefirst subframe set; and determine, according to the configuration of thesecond subframe set, which subframe belong to the second subframe set.

Whether the foregoing configuration of the first subframe set and/orconfiguration of the second subframe set are/is sent by the macro basestation or by the micro base station to the UE depends on where asignaling radio bearer (SRB) of the UE is connected to. If the SRB ofthe UE is connected to the macro base station, the foregoingconfiguration of the first subframe set and/or configuration of thesecond subframe set are generated and configured for the UE by the macrobase station. If the SRB of the UE is connected to the micro basestation, the foregoing configuration of the first subframe set and/orconfiguration of the second subframe set are generated and configuredfor the UE by the micro base station.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, before thecommunicating, by a UE, with a macro base station in a subframe in afirst subframe set, the method includes: determining, by the UE, adownlink subframe in the first subframe set, where the downlink subframein the first subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe n belongs tothe first subframe set, a downlink subframe (n+8) also belongs to thefirst subframe set.

Based on the foregoing, an optional manner of determining, by the UE, adownlink subframe in the first subframe set is: determining, by the UE,the downlink subframe in the first subframe set according to formula(1).

[(10·n _(f) +└n _(s)/2┘)mod 8]∈Δ_(BSC)  (1)

where n_(f) is a subframe number, n_(s) is a slot number, and Δ_(BSC) isa subframe offset set which is configured at a high layer at a networkside. BSC may include one or multiple subframe offset values, forexample, a value of Δ_(BSC) may be {0}, {1}, or {0,1}. Optionally,Δ_(BSC) may be the configuration of the first subframe set in theforegoing implementation. A subframe that meets the foregoing formula(1) is a downlink subframe in the first subframe set. It can be seenthat two neighboring downlink subframes, obtained by the UE throughcalculation by using formula (1), in the first subframe set are spacedapart by 8 subframes.

For example, when the value of Δ_(BSC) may be {0}, downlink subframes,determined by the UE, in the first subframe set are shown as shadedboxes in a downlink frame (represented by DL in FIG. 1A) in FIG. 1A,where a number in a shaded box represents a subframe number.

For example, when the value of Δ_(BSC) may be {1}, downlink subframes,determined by the UE, in the first subframe set are shown as shadedboxes in a downlink frame (represented by DL in FIG. 1B) in FIG. 1B,where a number in a shaded box represents a subframe number.

With reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, it can be known that when thevalue of Δ_(BSC) is {0}, the first downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set starts from subframe #0 in a start downlink frame, nooffset occurs, and subsequent downlink subframes are spaced apart by 8subframes; and when the value of Δ_(BSC) is {1}, the first downlinksubframe in the first subframe set starts from subframe 1 in the startdownlink frame, an offset occurs, and subsequent downlink subframes arespaced apart by 8 subframes.

This implementation offers advantages in terms of flexibility and easeof implementation. In addition, the network side only needs to configurea subframe offset set for the UE, and does not need to configure eachdownlink subframe in the first subframe set one by one for the UE, whichsimplifies configuration and reduces a configuration workload on thenetwork side.

In addition to the foregoing implementation, a downlink subframe in thefirst subframe set may also be directly configured for the UE by thenetwork side; and the UE determines, according to configuration of thenetwork side, the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, whereneighboring downlink subframes in the downlink subframes configured bythe network side are spaced apart by 8 subframes.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the first subframe setof this embodiment further includes an uplink subframe; and then beforethe communicating, by a UE, with a macro base station in a subframe in afirst subframe set, the method further includes: determining, by the UE,the uplink subframe in the first subframe set, where the uplink subframein the first subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe n belongs tothe first subframe set, an uplink subframe (n+4) belongs to the firstsubframe set.

After the UE determines the downlink subframe in the first subframe setaccording to formula (1), the UE may directly determine subframe numbersof the uplink subframe in the first subframe set by adding 4 to subframenumbers of the determined downlink subframe in the first subframe set.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, when the value of Δ_(BSC) is {0},shaded boxes in an uplink frame (represented by UL in FIG. 1A) are theuplink subframes in the first subframe set, where a number in a shadedbox represents a subframe number. As shown in FIG. 1B, when the value ofΔ_(BSC) is {1}, shaded boxes in an uplink frame (represented by UL inFIG. 1B) are the uplink subframes in the first subframe set, where anumber in a shaded box represents a subframe number.

Optionally, in addition to the foregoing manners of determining theuplink subframe in the first subframe set, the UE may also determine theuplink subframe in the first subframe set according to formula (1). Tomeet the foregoing condition that when downlink subframe n belongs tothe first subframe set, uplink subframe (n+4) belongs to first subframeset, a value of Δ_(BSC) in formula (1) used when determining thedownlink subframe in the first subframe set is different than whendetermining the uplink subframe in the first subframe set, and thevalues meet a specific condition. That is, if the value of Δ_(BSC) is{a} when the UE determines, according to formula (1), the downlinksubframe in the first subframe set, the value of Δ_(BSC) is {a+4} whenthe UE determines, according to formula (1), the uplink subframe in thefirst subframe set. Preferably, a value range of a is 0 to 9.

Optionally, the uplink subframe in the first subframe set may also bedirectly configured for the UE by the network side; and the UEdetermines, according to configuration of the network side, the uplinksubframe in the first subframe set, where neighboring uplink subframesin the uplink subframes configured by the network side are spaced apartby 8 subframes.

It is noted herein that, because the uplink subframe and the downlinksubframe in the first subframe set have a specific relationship, the UEmay also first determine the uplink subframe in the first subframe set,and then determine, in accordance with the relationship, subframe numberof the downlink subframe according to subframe number of the determineduplink subframe. For example, the UE may determine the uplink subframein the first subframe set according to formula (1), and then determine,in accordance with the relationship, subframe number of the downlinksubframe and according to subframe number of the determined uplinksubframe. Alternatively, the network side may also configure only theuplink subframe in the first subframe set for the UE, and the UE firstdetermines the uplink subframe in the first subframe set according tothe configuration of the network side, and then determines, inaccordance with the relationship, subframe number of the downlinksubframe according to subframe number of the determined uplink subframe,which is favorable for reducing a configuration workload on the networkside.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, before thecommunicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, the method includes: determining, by the UE, adownlink subframe in the second subframe set, where the downlinksubframe in the second subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe mbelongs to the second subframe set, a downlink subframe (m+8) alsobelongs to the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the second subframeset further includes an uplink subframe; and then before thecommunicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, the method further includes: determining, by theUE, the uplink subframe in the second subframe set, where the uplinksubframe in the second subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe mbelongs to the second subframe set, an uplink subframe (m+4) alsobelongs to the second subframe set.

A manner of determining, by the UE, a downlink subframe and an uplinksubframe in the second subframe set is the same as the manner ofdetermining, by the UE, the downlink subframe and the uplink subframe inthe first subframe set, and details are not described herein again.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the communicating, bya UE, with a macro base station in a subframe in a first subframe setincludes:

communicating, by the UE, in the downlink with the macro base station inthe subframe in the first subframe set. Specifically, the UEcommunicates in the downlink with the macro base station in a downlinksubframe in the first subframe set.

In addition, the UE may also communicate in the uplink with the macrobase station in the subframe in the first subframe set. Specifically,the UE communicates in the uplink with the macro base station in anuplink subframe in the first subframe set.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the communicating, bya UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in a second subframe setincludes:

communicating, by the UE, in the downlink with the micro base station inthe subframe in the second subframe set. Specifically, the UEcommunicates in the downlink with the micro base station in the downlinksubframe in the second subframe set.

In addition, the UE may further communicate in the uplink with the microbase station in the subframe in the second subframe set. Specifically,the UE communicates in the uplink with the UE in the uplink subframe inthe second subframe set.

This embodiment of the present invention provides an implementation inwhich the UE exchanges different signals or channels with the macro basestation and the micro base station in the subframe in the first subframeset and the second subframe set, respectively.

Communicating, by the UE, in the downlink with the macro base station ina downlink subframe in the first subframe set includes any one of thefollowing operations or a combination thereof:

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set,a cell-specific reference signal (CRS) and a channel demodulated basedon the CRS that are sent by the macro base station, where the channeldemodulated based on the CRS includes but is not limited to: a PDCCH, aPBCH, a physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), a physicalhybrid automatic repeat request (HARD) indicator channel (PHICH), and aPDSCH; for example, the macro base station delivers control signaling tothe UE through the PDCCH while the micro base station delivers controlsignaling to the UE through an evolved physical downlink control channel(ePDCCH);

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set,a primary synchronization signal (PSS) sent by the macro base station;

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set,a secondary synchronization signal (SSS) sent by the macro base station;and

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set,an ePDCCH that is demodulated based on a demodulation reference signal(DMRS) and sent by the macro base station.

Accordingly, communicating, by the UE, in the downlink with the microbase station in downlink subframe in the second subframe set includesany one of the following operations or a combination thereof:

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the second subframeset, a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS) sent by themicro base station, where optionally, if a channel demodulated based onthe CSI-RS appears, the channel demodulated based on the CSI-RS may alsobe sent to the UE by the micro base station in the downlink subframe inthe second subframe set; and

receiving, by the UE in the downlink subframe in the second subframeset, a DMRS and a channel demodulated based on the DMRS that are sent bythe micro base station, where the channel demodulated based on the DMRSincludes but is not limited to: an ePDCCH and a PDSCH.

It should be noted herein that, if the macro base station needs to sendcontrol signaling to the UE, the macro base station uses a PDCCHscrambled by the CRS; and if the micro base station needs to sendcontrol signaling to the UE, the micro base station uses an ePDCCHscrambled by the DMRS. Because transmission between the macro basestation and the UE occur in different subframes than transmissionbetween the micro base station and the UE, another optionalimplementation is that the macro base station and the micro base stationseparately send an ePDCCH scrambled by the DMRS to the UE in differentsubframes.

The foregoing sending different signals and channels to the UE by themacro base station and the micro base station is merely oneimplementation in which the macro base station and the micro basestation coordinate to communicate with the UE, and the present inventionis not limited thereto. For example, he macro base station sends a PSSand an SSS to the UE, and the micro base station may also send a PSS andan SSS to the UE.

Preferably, for purposes of backward compatibility, in one downlinksubframe, the UE receives a downlink grant and a PDSCH from either themacro base station or the micro base station.

The UE may separately monitor UE-specific search space in a PDCCH and anePDCCH to find downlink control information (DCI) specific to the UE.

Generally, both user data and control signaling of the UE is carried bya radio bearer (RB). In this embodiment, as different transmit sources,the macro base station and the micro base station cannot share a contextof the UE in real time. Therefore, in order to ensure normaltransmission of uplink and downlink data, uplink and downlink data on asame RB of the UE should be transmitted between the UE and a sametransmit source (either the macro base station or the micro basestation). In downlink communication, the macro base station or the microbase station may control, by means of traffic distribution, downlinkdata on a same RB of the UE to transmit to only one transmit source(either the macro base station or the micro base station). However, inuplink communication, no base station (no matter whether it is the macrobase station or the micro base station) in the prior art can directlycontrol which site uplink data in an RB of the UE will be transmittedto. What is needed is a solution allowing uplink data on a same RB ofthe UE to be transmitted between the UE and a same transmit source. Toaddress this problem, this embodiment of the present invention providesa solution, which specifically is:

before communicating, by the UE, in the uplink with the macro basestation in an uplink subframe in the first subframe set, receiving afirst association relationship sent by the macro base station or themicro base station, where the first association relationship includes anidentifier of a logical channel associated with the first subframe set,and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the logical channel andan RB. Based on this, the communicating, by the UE, in the uplink withthe macro base station in the uplink subframe in the first subframe setspecifically is: sending, by the UE in the uplink subframe in the firstsubframe set according to the first association relationship, data onthe RB corresponding to the logical channel identifier in the firstassociation relationship to the macro base station. Because the UEcommunicates with only the macro base station in the uplink subframe inthe first subframe set, by binding data on a same RB with the firstsubframe set, it can be ensured that data on the RB is transmitted onlybetween the UE and the macro base station.

Whether the foregoing first association relationship received by the UEis from the macro base station or the micro base station specificallydepends on where an SRB of the UE is connected to. If the SRB of the UEis connected to the macro base station, the foregoing first associationrelationship is generated and configured for the UE by the macro basestation. If the SRB of the UE is connected to the micro base station,the foregoing first association relationship is generated and configuredfor the UE by the micro base station.

Correspondingly, before the communicating, by the UE, in the uplink withthe micro base station in an uplink subframe in the second subframe set,the method includes: receiving a second association relationship sent bythe macro base station or the micro base station, where the secondassociation relationship includes an identifier of a logical channelassociated with the second subframe set. Based on this, thecommunicating, by the UE, in the uplink with the macro base station inuplink subframe in the second subframe set specifically is: sending, bythe UE in the uplink subframe in the second subframe set according tothe second association relationship, data on an RB corresponding to theidentifier of the logical channel in the second association relationshipto the micro base station. Because the UE communicates with only themicro base station in the uplink subframe in the second subframe set, bybinding data on a same RB with the second subframe set, it can beensured that data on the RB is transmitted only between the UE and themicro base station.

Whether the foregoing second association relationship received by the UEis from the macro base station or the micro base station specificallydepends on where an SRB of the UE is connected to. If the SRB of the UEis connected to the macro base station, the foregoing second associationrelationship is generated and configured for the UE by the macro basestation. If the SRB of the UE is connected to the micro base station,the foregoing second association relationship is generated andconfigured for the UE by the micro base station.

It should be noted herein that, which RB or RBs of the UE has its ortheir data bound with the first subframe set and which RB or RBs has itsor their data bound with the second subframe set are not limited in thisembodiment of the present invention, and may be specifically determinedaccording to an actual application requirement. As shown in FIG. 2, datacarried by logical channels whose logical channel identifiers are{LCIDa0, . . . , LCIDai} is transmitted in the subframe in the firstsubframe set, that is, transmission is performed between the UE and themacro base station; and data carried by logical channels whose logicalchannel identifiers are {LCIDb0, . . . , LCIDbj} is transmitted in thesubframe in the second subframe set, that is, transmission is performedbetween the UE and the micro base station.

In this embodiment of the present invention, because communicationbetween the UE and the macro base station and communication between theUE and the micro base station occur in two different subframe sets, andbecause a channel condition between the UE and the macro base stationand a channel condition between the UE and the micro base station aredifferent, their respective related physical layer parameterconfigurations may be the same, and may also be different.

Based on the foregoing, in an optional implementation of thisembodiment, before the communicating, by a UE, with a macro base stationin a subframe in a first subframe set, the method may include:receiving, by the UE, a first physical layer parameter configurationsent by the macro base station or the micro base station, where thefirst physical layer parameter configuration is configured by a networkside for a channel between the UE and the macro base station. Then thecommunicating, by a UE, with a macro base station in a subframe in afirst subframe set specifically is: communicating, by the UE, with themacro base station in the subframe in the first subframe set accordingto the first physical layer parameter configuration, that is, the UEuses the first physical layer parameter configuration to communicatewith the macro base station.

In another optional implementation of this embodiment, before thecommunicating, by the UE, with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set, the method may include: receiving, by the UE, asecond physical layer parameter configuration sent by the macro basestation or the micro base station, where the second physical layerparameter configuration is configured by a network side for a channelbetween the UE and a micro base station, and the second physical layerparameter configuration is different from the first physical layerparameter configuration. When it is mentioned that the second physicallayer parameter configuration is different from the first physical layerparameter configuration, it mainly means that values of physical layerparameters are different, while configured physical layer parameters maybe the same and may also be different.

In both the first physical layer parameter configuration and the secondphysical layer parameter configuration, physical layer parameters thatneed to be configured include but are not limited to: a dedicated PDSCHconfiguration (PDSCH-ConfigDedicated), a dedicated physical uplinkcontrol channel (PUCCH) configuration (PUCCH-ConfigDedicated), adedicated uplink power control configuration(UplinkPowerControlDedicated), a scheduling request configuration(schedulingRequestConfig), and a channel quality report configuration(cqi-ReportConfig).

Whether the foregoing first physical layer parameter configuration andsecond physical layer parameter configuration received by the UE aresent by the macro base station or the micro base station depends onwhere an SRB of the UE is connected to. If the SRB of the UE isconnected to the macro base station, the foregoing first physical layerparameter configuration and second physical layer parameterconfiguration are generated and configured for the UE by the macro basestation. If the SRB of the UE is connected to the micro base station,the foregoing first physical layer parameter configuration and secondphysical layer parameter configuration are generated and configured forthe UE by the micro base station.

That is, the network side may provide different physical layer parameterconfigurations for different subframe sets of the UE. In this way, theUE may use corresponding physical layer parameter configurations toperform air interface transmission in subframes in different subframesubsets, which is favorable for adapting to different channel conditionsand improving transmission quality.

It should be noted herein that the network side may also not providedifferent physical layer parameter configurations for different subframesets of the UE; and then the UE may use a same physical layer parameterconfiguration to perform air interface transmission in subframes indifferent subframe subsets, which is favorable to saving configurationsignaling of the network side.

It should be noted herein that, this embodiment of the present inventionis described from the perspective of the UE; however, in order to ensurethat there is no conflict between the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set, which are used by the UE to transmit with the macro basestation and the micro base station respectively, the macro base stationand the micro base station may interact with each other, to negotiateand determine the first subframe set and the second subframe set. Inaddition, in order to support HARQ, all HARQ processes also need to bebound with different subframe sets, that is, separate HARQ processesneed to be determined for the macro base station and for the micro basestation, so as to avoid occurrence of a conflict. A HARQ processidentifier is a UE-level concept, but not a site-level concept, that is,the macro base station and the micro base station cannot use a same HARQprocess identifier when communicating with a same UE. For a frequencydivision duplexing (FDD) system, one UE can have only a maximum of 8HARQ processes. Assume that there are two UEs, a first UE and a secondUE. The macro base station may use a HARQ process identifier set{0,1,2,3} to communicate with the first UE, and the micro base stationmay use a HARQ process identifier set {4,5,6,7} to communicate with thefirst UE; the macro base station may use a HARQ process identifier set{0,1} to communicate with the second UE, and the micro base station mayuse a HARQ process identifier set {2,3,4,5,6,7} to communicate with thesecond UE, where grouping of a subframe set and grouping of a processidentifier set should match. For an FDD system, 40 consecutive subframesare grouped into 8 subframe subsets (each subset includes 5 subframes);and the number of subframe subsets, which are included in a firstsubframe set or a second subframe set that is used by the macro basestation or the micro base station respectively to communicate with a UE,should be equal to the number of HARQ process identifiers allocated tothe macro base station or the micro base station, where the macro basestation or the micro base station may determine their respective usedHARQ processes by means of interaction and negotiation.

Optionally, the macro base station and the micro base station maydetermine their respective subframe sets and HARQ process identifiersets by means of different interaction processes, and may also determinetheir respective subframe sets and HARQ process identifier sets at thesame time in a same interaction process. Preferably, negotiation overthe subframe sets and the HARQ process identifier sets is completed atthe same time in a same interaction process.

In the foregoing preferable implementation, a specific implementation isthat: The macro base station determines the first subframe set, thesecond subframe set, and separate HARQ process identifier sets that areused by the macro base station and the micro base station and correspondto the UE; and sends to the micro base station the first subframe set,the second subframe set, and the separate HARQ process identifier setsthat are used by the macro base station and the micro base station andcorrespond to the UE, so that the micro base station determines thesecond subframe set and the HARQ process identifier set that are used bythe micro base station and correspond to the UE. Another specificimplementation is that: The macro base station determines the firstsubframe set and a HARQ process identifier set that is used by the macrobase station and corresponds to the UE; and sends to the micro basestation the first subframe set and the HARQ process identifier set thatis used by the macro base station and corresponds to the UE, so that themicro base station uses all or some of other subframes than subframes inthe first subframe set, as the second subframe set, uses all or some ofother HARQ processes than HARQ processes used by the macro base station,as HARQ processes to be used by the micro base station, and returns aselection result to the macro base station. Still another implementationis: The macro base station determines the first subframe set, the secondsubframe set, and separate HARQ process identifier sets that are used bythe macro base station and the micro base station and correspond to theUE; and then sends the micro base station the second subframe set, andthe HARQ process identifier set that is used by the micro base stationand correspond to the UE.

In the foregoing implementations, the macro base station may notify themicro base station of a HARQ process identifier set by using anexplicit-definition manner. For example, a bitmap is used to indicatethe first subframe set and/or the second subframe set, and an 8-bitbitmap may also be used to indicate which HARQ processes are used by themicro base station and correspond to the UE and/or which HARQ processesare used by the macro base station and correspond to the UE. Forexample, a corresponding bit 1 indicates that the HARQ process is usedby the macro base station, and a corresponding bit 0 indicates that theHARQ process is used by the micro base station.

In the foregoing implementations, the macro base station may furthernotify the micro base station of a HARQ process identifier set by usingan implicit-definition manner. For example, a one-to-one mappingrelationship between a HARQ process identifier set and a subframe setmay be predefined. For example, a bitmap indicating subframes that canbe used by the micro base station is configured. If the k^(th) (0=<k<=7)bit of the bitmap is 1, the micro base station uses a HARQ process whoseprocess identifier is k. In this way, the volume of data sent by themacro base station to the micro base station is reduced, which isfavorable for improving transmission efficiency. It should be notedherein that the foregoing interaction and negotiation procedure betweenthe macro base station and the micro base station may be an initialcontext request/response (INITIAL CONTEXT REQUEST/RESPONSE) procedure,or may be a UE context modification request/response (UE CONTEXTMODIFICATION REQUEST/RESPONSE) procedure, but is not limited thereto.That is, the first subframe set and/or the second subframe set sent tothe micro base station by the macro base station, and a HARQ processidentifier that is used by the macro base station and correspond to theUE and/or a HARQ process identifier that is used by the micro basestation and correspond to the UE may be carried in an INITIAL CONTEXTREQUEST or a UE CONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST that is sent to the microbase station and sent to the micro base station.

It can be seen from the above that the coordinated transmission methodaccording to this embodiment of the present invention uses a timedivision multiplexing manner in which a UE separately communicates witha macro base station and a micro base station, so that the macro basestation and the micro base station do not need to share a context of theUE in real time, which lowers a requirement on a communication delay onan air interface side. In this way, there is no longer a limitationimposed on an interconnection manner between the macro base station andthe micro base station, thereby extending application scenarios andscopes of the coordinated transmission technology. In addition, themethod of this embodiment further provides various implementations, tosolve a plurality of problems that may be confronted during acoordinated transmission procedure. For example, data on a same RB ofthe UE is transmitted only between the UE and one transmit source, whichensures data transmission accuracy. For another example, differentphysical layer parameter configurations are provided for differentsubframe sets, which improves communication quality. For still anotherexample, the macro base station and the micro base station exchangedifferent signals or channels with the UE, which not only implementscoordinated transmission but also improves communication efficiency.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a coordinatedtransmission method, and this embodiment is described from theperspective of a macro base station. The method specifically includes:communicating, by the macro base station, with a UE in a subframe in afirst subframe set, where the UE further communicates with a micro basestation in a subframe in a second subframe set, where the subframe inthe first subframe set and the subframe in the second subframe set donot overlap.

The UE in this embodiment is located in coverage of both the macro basestation and the micro base station, and communicates with the macro basestation and the micro base station separately in a time divisionmultiplexing manner.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, in order to ensurethat there is no conflict between the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set, which are used by the UE to transmit with the macro basestation and the micro base station respectively, before thecommunicating, by the macro base station, with a UE in a subframe in afirst subframe set, the method includes: sending, by the macro basestation, the first subframe set and/or the second subframe set to themicro base station, so that the micro base station acquires the secondsubframe set.

In addition, in order to support HARQ, it is further required todetermine separate HARQ processes that are used by the macro basestation and the micro base station and correspond to the UE. That is,the macro base station further needs to send a HARQ process identifierset that is used by the macro base station and corresponds to the UEand/or a HARQ process identifier set that is used by the micro basestation and corresponds to the UE to the micro base station, so that themicro base station acquires the HARQ process identifier set that is usedby the micro base station and corresponds to the UE.

For other implementations of sending, by the macro base station, a usedsubframe set and a HARQ process identifier set to the micro basestation, and detailed description of each other implementation, refer tocorresponding description in the foregoing embodiments, which are notdescribed herein again.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the UE communicateswith the macro base station and the micro base station separately insubframes in different subframe sets whose channel conditions aredifferent. In order to adapt to different channel conditions and improvecommunication quality, before the communicating, by the macro basestation, with a UE in a subframe in a first subframe set, the methodfurther includes: sending, by the macro base station to the UE, a firstphysical layer parameter configuration and a second physical layerparameter configuration respectively corresponding to the first subframeset and the second subframe set. In this way, the UE can use a physicallayer parameter configuration corresponding to each channel condition totransmit signal, which is favorable for improving transmission quality.

In the foregoing implementation, before sending the first physical layerparameter configuration and the second physical layer parameterconfiguration to the UE, the macro base station needs to acquire thefirst physical layer parameter configuration and the second physicallayer parameter configuration.

Optionally, the first physical layer parameter configuration isdetermined by the macro base station and the second physical layerparameter configuration is determined by the micro base station, andthen a manner of acquiring, by the macro base station, the firstphysical layer parameter configuration and the second physical layerparameter configuration is: determining, by the macro base station, thefirst physical layer parameter configuration and receiving the secondphysical layer parameter configuration sent by the micro base station.

Optionally, both the first physical layer parameter configuration andthe second physical layer parameter configuration may be determined bythe macro base station, and a manner of acquiring, by the macro basestation, the first physical layer parameter configuration and the secondphysical layer parameter configuration is: separately determining, bythe macro base station, the first physical layer parameter configurationand the second physical layer parameter configuration. Based on this,the method of this embodiment further includes: sending, by the macrobase station, the second physical layer parameter configuration to themicro base station, so that the micro base station learns about thesecond physical layer parameter configuration.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the macro base stationcommunicates in the downlink with the UE in the subframe in the firstsubframe set. Specifically, the macro base station communicates in thedownlink with the UE in a downlink subframe in the first subframe set.The communicating, by the macro base station, in the downlink with theUE in a downlink subframe in the first subframe set includes any one ofthe following operations or a combination thereof:

sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set, a CRS and a channel demodulated based on the CRS to theUE;

sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set, a PSS to the UE;

sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set, an SSS to the UE; and

sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the firstsubframe set, an ePDCCH demodulated based on a DMRS to the UE.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the macro base stationcommunicates in the uplink with the UE in the subframe in the firstsubframe set. Specifically, the macro base station communicates in theuplink with the UE in an uplink subframe in the first subframe set.

In order to ensure that data on a same RB of the UE can be transmittedonly between the UE and the macro base station, before the macro basestation communicates in the uplink with the UE in the uplink subframe inthe first subframe set, the method includes: sending, by the macro basestation, a first association relationship to the UE, where the firstassociation relationship includes an identifier of a logical channelassociated with the first subframe set. Based on this, thecommunicating, by the macro base station, in the uplink with the UE inthe uplink subframe in the first subframe set includes: receiving, bythe macro base station in the uplink subframe in the first subframe set,data, sent by the UE, on an RB corresponding to the identifier of thelogical channel in the first association relationship.

In addition, in order to ensure that data on another RB on the UE istransmitted only between the UE and the micro base station, the macrobase station may further send a second association relationship to theUE, where the second association relationship includes an identifier ofa logical channel associated with the second subframe set, so that theUE sends, in the uplink subframe in the second subframe set, data on anRB corresponding to the identifier of the logical channel in the secondassociation relationship to the micro base station.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, to enable the UE todistinguish between the first subframe set and the second subframe set,before the communicating with a UE in a subframe in a first subframeset, the macro base station sends a configuration of the first subframeset and/or a configuration of the second subframe set to the UE, so thatthe UE distinguishes between the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set.

It should be noted herein that, when an SRB of the UE is connected tothe macro base station, the macro base station sends the UE the firstphysical layer parameter configuration, the second physical layerparameter configuration, the first association relationship, the secondassociation relationship, and the configuration of the first subframeset and/or the configuration of the second subframe set.

For detailed description of the coordinated transmission methodaccording to this embodiment, refer to description of a correspondingprocedure in the foregoing embodiment, which is not described hereinagain.

It can be seen from the above that, in the coordinated transmissionmethod according to this embodiment of the present invention, a macrobase station supports a UE to separately communicate with the macro basestation and a micro base station in a time division multiplexing manner,and the macro base station communicates with the UE in a subframe in afirst subframe set, so that the macro base station and the micro basestation do not need to share a context of the UE in real time, whichlowers a requirement on a communication delay on an air interface side.In this way, there is no longer a limitation imposed on aninterconnection manner between the macro base station and the micro basestation, thereby extending application scenarios and scopes of thecoordinated transmission technology. In addition, the method of thisembodiment further provides various implementations, to solve aplurality of problems that may be confronted during a coordinatedtransmission procedure. For example, data on a same RB of the UE istransmitted only between the UE and one transmit source, which ensuresdata transmission accuracy. For another example, different physicallayer parameter configurations are provided for different subframe sets,which improves communication quality. For still another example, themacro base station and the micro base station exchange different signalsor channels with the UE, which not only implements coordinatedtransmission but also improves communication efficiency.

Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a coordinatedtransmission method, and this embodiment is described from theperspective of a micro base station. The method of this embodimentincludes: communicating, by the micro base station, with a UE in asubframe in a second subframe set, where the UE further communicateswith a macro base station in a subframe in a first subframe set, wherethe subframe in the first subframe set and the subframe in the secondsubframe set do not overlap.

The UE in this embodiment is located in coverage of both the macro basestation and the micro base station, and communicates with the macro basestation and the micro base station separately in a time divisionmultiplexing manner.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, in order to ensurethat there is no conflict between the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set, which are used by the UE to transmit with the macro basestation and the micro base station respectively, before thecommunicating, by the macro base station, with a UE in a subframe in afirst subframe set, the method includes: sending, by the macro basestation, the first subframe set and/or the second subframe set to themicro base station, so that the micro base station acquires the secondsubframe set. Accordingly, the micro base station receives the firstsubframe set and/or the second subframe set sent by the macro basestation, so as to acquire the second subframe set.

In addition, in order to support HARQ, it is further required todetermine separate HARQ processes used by the macro base station and themicro base station. That is, the macro base station further needs tosend to the micro base station a HARQ process identifier set that isused by the macro base station and corresponds to the UE and/or a HARQprocess identifier set that is used by the micro base station andcorresponds to the UE, so that the micro base station acquires the HARQprocess identifier set that is used by the micro base station andcorresponds to the UE. Accordingly, the micro base station receives,from the macro base station, the HARQ process identifier set that isused by the macro base station and corresponds to the UE and/or the HARQprocess identifier set that is used by the micro base station andcorresponds to the UE, so as to acquire the HARQ process identifier setthat is used by the micro base station.

For other implementations of sending, by the macro base station, a usedsubframe set and a HARQ process identifier set to the micro basestation, and detailed description of each other implementation, refer tocorresponding description in the foregoing embodiments, which are notdescribed herein again.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the UE communicateswith the macro base station and the micro base station separately insubframes in different subframe sets whose channel conditions aredifferent. In order to adapt to different channel conditions and improvecommunication quality, before the communicating, by the micro basestation, with a UE in a subframe in a second subframe set, the methodfurther includes: sending, by the micro base station to the UE, a firstphysical layer parameter configuration and a second physical layerparameter configuration respectively corresponding to the first subframeset and the second subframe set. In this way, the UE can use a physicallayer parameter configuration corresponding to each channel condition totransmit signal, which is favorable for improving transmission quality.

In the foregoing implementation, before sending the first physical layerparameter configuration and the second physical layer parameterconfiguration respectively corresponding to the first subframe set andthe second subframe set to the UE, the micro base station needs toacquire the first physical layer parameter configuration and the secondphysical layer parameter configuration.

Optionally, the first physical layer parameter configuration isdetermined by the macro base station, and the second physical layerparameter configuration is determined by the micro base station. Then amanner of acquiring, by the micro base station, the first physical layerparameter configuration and the second physical layer parameterconfiguration includes: determining, by the micro base station, thesecond physical layer parameter configuration and receiving the firstphysical layer parameter configuration sent by the macro base station.

Optionally, both the first physical layer parameter configuration andthe second physical layer parameter configuration may be determined bythe micro base station. Then a manner of acquiring, by the micro basestation, the first physical layer parameter configuration and the secondphysical layer parameter configuration includes: separately determining,by the micro base station, the first physical layer parameterconfiguration and the second physical layer parameter configuration.Based on this, the method of this embodiment further includes: sending,by the micro base station, the first physical layer parameterconfiguration to the macro base station, so that the macro base stationlearns about the first physical layer parameter configuration.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the micro base stationcommunicates in the downlink with the UE in the subframe in the secondsubframe set. Specifically, the micro base station communicates in thedownlink with the UE in a downlink subframe in the second subframe set.The communicating, by the micro base station, in the downlink with theUE in the downlink subframe in the second subframe set includes any oneof the following operations or a combination thereof:

sending, by the micro base station in the downlink subframe in thesecond subframe set, a CSI-RS to the UE; and

sending, by the micro base station in the downlink subframe in thesecond subframe set, a DMRS and a channel demodulated based on the DMRSto the UE.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, the micro base stationcommunicates in the uplink with the UE in the subframe in the secondsubframe set. Specifically, the UE communicates in the uplink with themicro base station in an uplink subframe in the second subframe set.

In order to ensure that data on a same RB of the UE can be transmittedonly between the UE and the micro base station, before the micro basestation communicates in the uplink with the UE in the uplink subframe inthe second subframe set, the method includes: sending, by the micro basestation, a second association relationship to the UE, where the secondassociation relationship includes an identifier of a logic channelassociated with the second subframe set. Based on this, thecommunicating, by the micro base station, in the uplink with the UE inuplink subframe in the second subframe set includes: receiving, by themicro base station in the uplink subframe in the second subframe set,data, sent by the UE, on an RB corresponding to the identifier of thelogical channel in the second association relationship.

In addition, in order to ensure that data on another RB on the UE istransmitted only between the UE and the macro base station, the microbase station may further send a first association relationship to theUE, where the first association relationship includes an identifier of alogical channel associated with the first subframe set, so that the UEsends, in the uplink subframe in the first subframe set, data on an RBcorresponding to the identifier of the logical channel in the firstassociation relationship to the micro base station.

In an optional implementation of this embodiment, to enable the UE todistinguish between the first subframe set and the second subframe set,before the communicating with a user equipment UE in a subframe in asecond subframe set, the micro base station sends a configuration of thefirst subframe set and/or a configuration of the second subframe set tothe UE, so that the UE distinguishes between the first subframe set andthe second subframe set.

It should be noted herein that, when an SRB of the UE is connected tothe micro base station, the micro base station sends the UE the firstphysical layer parameter configuration, the second physical layerparameter configuration, the first association relationship, the secondassociation relationship, and the configuration of the first subframeset and/or the configuration of the second subframe set.

For detailed description of the coordinated transmission methodaccording to this embodiment, refer to description of a correspondingprocedure in the foregoing embodiments, which is not described hereinagain.

It can be seen from the above that, in the coordinated transmissionmethod according to this embodiment of the present invention, a microbase station supports a UE to separately communicate with a macro basestation and the micro base station in a time division multiplexingmanner, and the micro base station communicates with the UE in asubframe in a second subframe set, so that the macro base station andthe micro base station do not need to share a context of the UE in realtime, which lowers a requirement on a communication delay on an airinterface side. In this way, there is no longer a limitation imposed onan interconnection manner between the macro base station and the microbase station, thereby extending application scenarios and scopes of thecoordinated transmission technology. In addition, the method of thisembodiment further provides various implementations, to solve aplurality of problems that may be confronted during a coordinatedtransmission procedure. For example, data on a same RB of the UE istransmitted only between the UE and one transmit source, which ensuresdata transmission accuracy. For another example, different physicallayer parameter configurations are provided for different subframe sets,which improves communication quality. For still another example, themacro base station and the micro base station exchange different signalsor channels with the UE, which not only implements coordinatedtransmission but also improves communication efficiency.

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a UE according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the UE of thisembodiment includes: a first communication unit 31 and a secondcommunication unit 33.

The first communication unit 31 is connected to a macro base station,and is configured to communicate with the macro base station in asubframe in a first subframe set; and the second communication unit 32is connected to a micro base station, and is configured to communicatewith the micro base station in a subframe in a second subframe set,where the subframe in the first subframe set and the subframe in thesecond subframe set do not overlap.

The function units of the UE according to this embodiment may beconfigured to execute a procedure of the foregoing method embodimentdescribed from the perspective of the UE, and specific workingprinciples of the function units are not described herein again.

The UE of this embodiment separately communicates with a macro basestation and a micro base station in a time division multiplexing manner,and a context of the UE is separately created on the macro base stationand the micro base station, so that the macro base station and the microbase station do not need to share a context of the UE in real time,which lowers a requirement on a communication delay of a backhaul linkbetween the macro base station and the micro base station. In this way,the macro base station and the micro base station are not required to beinterconnected by means of optical fibers or high-speed microwaves. Thecoordinated transmission method according to this embodiment is nolonger hindered by the manner in which the macro base station and themicro base station are interconnected, and can be applied to a widerapplication range, which takes full advantage of the coordinatedtransmission technology.

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of a UE according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is implementedbased on the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, in additionto including the first communication unit 31 and the secondcommunication unit 32, the UE of this embodiment further includes: afirst determining unit 33.

The first determining unit 33 is configured to determine a downlinksubframe in the first subframe set, where the downlink subframe in thefirst subframe set meet that, if a downlink subframe n belongs to thefirst subframe set, a downlink subframe (n+8) also belongs to the firstsubframe set.

Optionally, the first determining unit 33 is further configured todetermine an uplink subframe in the first subframe set, where the uplinksubframe in the first subframe set meet that, if downlink subframe nbelongs to the first subframe set, uplink subframe (n+4) belongs to thefirst subframe set.

The first determining unit 33 is connected with the first communicationunit 31, and is configured to provide the downlink subframe and/oruplink subframe in the first subframe set to the first communicationunit 31.

Optionally, the UE of this embodiment may further include: a seconddetermining unit 34, where the second determining unit 34 is configuredto determine the downlink subframe in the second subframe set, where thedownlink subframe in the second subframe set meet that, if downlinksubframe m belongs to the second subframe set, downlink subframe (m+8)also belongs to the second subframe set.

Optionally, the second determining unit 34 is further configured todetermine the uplink subframe in the second subframe set, where theuplink subframe in the second subframe set meet that, if downlinksubframe m belongs to the second subframe set, uplink subframe (m+4)belongs to the second subframe set.

The second determining unit 34 is connected with the secondcommunication unit 32, and is configured to provide the downlinksubframe and/or uplink subframe in the second subframe set to the secondcommunication unit 32.

In an optional implementation, the first communication unit 31 isspecifically configured to communicate in the downlink with the macrobase station in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set.

That the first communication unit 31 is specifically configured tocommunicate in the downlink with the macro base station in the downlinksubframe in the first subframe set includes that: the firstcommunication unit 31 is specifically configured to execute any one ofthe following operations or a combination thereof:

the first communication unit 31 is specifically configured to receive,in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a CRS and a channeldemodulated based on the CRS that are sent by the macro base station;

the first communication unit 31 is specifically configured to receive,in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a PSS sent by themacro base station;

the first communication unit 31 is specifically configured to receive,in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an SSS sent by themacro base station; and

the first communication unit 31 is specifically configured to receive,in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an ePDCCH that isdemodulated based on a DMRS and sent by the macro base station.

In an optional implementation, the first communication unit 31 isspecifically configured to communicate in the uplink with the macro basestation in the uplink subframe in the first subframe set.

Optionally, the UE of this embodiment further includes: a firstreceiving unit 35, where the first receiving unit 35 is connected to thefirst communication unit 31, and is configured to receive, before thefirst communication unit 31 communicates in the downlink with the macrobase station in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a firstassociation relationship sent by the macro base station or the microbase station, where the first association relationship includes anidentifier of a logical channel associated with the first subframe set.The first receiving unit 35 is further connected to the macro basestation or the micro base station. Based on this, the firstcommunication unit 31 is specifically configured to send, in the uplinksubframe in the first subframe set according to the first associationrelationship received by first receiving unit 35, data on an RBcorresponding to the logical channel in the first associationrelationship to the macro base station. Data in a same RB on the UE ofthis embodiment is transmitted only between the UE and one transmitsource (that is, the macro base station).

In an optional implementation, the second communication unit 32 isspecifically configured to communicate in the downlink with the microbase station in the subframe in the second subframe set.

That the second communication unit 32 is specifically configured tocommunicate in the downlink with the micro base station in the subframein the second subframe set includes that: the second communication unit32 is specifically configured to execute any one of the followingoperations or a combination thereof:

the second communication unit 32 is specifically configured to receive,in the downlink subframe in the second subframe set, a CSI-RS sent bythe micro base station; and

the second communication unit 32 is specifically configured to receive,in the downlink subframe in the second subframe set, a DMRS and achannel demodulated based on the DMRS that are sent by the micro basestation.

In an optional implementation, the second communication unit 32 isspecifically configured to communicate in the uplink with the micro basestation in uplink subframe in the second subframe set.

Optionally, the UE of this embodiment further includes: a secondreceiving unit 36, where the second receiving unit 36 is connected tothe second communication unit 32, and is configured to receive, beforethe second communication unit 32 communicates in the uplink with themicro base station in the uplink subframe in the second subframe set, asecond association relationship sent by the macro base station or themicro base station, where the second association relationship includesan identifier of a logical channel associated with the second subframeset. The second receiving unit 36 is further connected to the macro basestation or the micro base station. Based on this, the secondcommunication unit 32 is specifically configured to send, in the uplinksubframe in the second subframe set according to the second associationrelationship received by second receiving unit 36, data on an RBcorresponding to the logical channel in the second associationrelationship to the micro base station. Data in a same RB on the UE ofthis embodiment is transmitted only between the UE and one transmitsource (that is, the micro base station).

In an optional implementation, the UE of this embodiment furtherincludes: a third receiving unit 37, where the third receiving unit 37is connected to the macro base station or the micro base station, and isconfigured to receive a configuration of the first subframe set and/or aconfiguration of a second subframe set, so as to distinguish between thefirst subframe set and the second subframe set. Optionally, the thirdreceiving unit 37 is connected to the first determining unit 33 and thesecond determining unit 34.

In an optional implementation, the UE of this embodiment furtherincludes: a fourth receiving unit 38, where the fourth receiving unit 38is configured to receive a first physical layer parameter configurationsent by the macro base station or the micro base station. Based on this,the first communication unit 31 is specifically configured tocommunicate with the macro base station in the subframe in the firstsubframe set according to the first physical layer parameterconfiguration. The fourth receiving unit 38 is connected to the firstcommunication unit 31, and is configured to provide the first physicallayer parameter configuration to the first communication unit 31.

In an optional implementation, the fourth receiving unit 38 is furtherconfigured to receive a second physical layer parameter configurationsent by the macro base station or the micro base station. Optionally,the second physical layer parameter configuration is different from thefirst physical layer parameter configuration. Based on this, the secondcommunication unit 32 is specifically configured to communicate with themicro base station in the subframe in the second subframe set accordingto the second physical layer parameter configuration. The fourthreceiving unit 38 is connected to the second communication unit 32, andis configured to provide the second physical layer parameterconfiguration to the second communication unit 32.

It should be noted herein that, in a specific implementation, theforegoing multiple receiving units may be implemented by using onereceiver, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The function units of the UE according to this embodiment may beconfigured to execute a corresponding procedure in the coordinatedtransmission method described from the perspective of the UE, andspecific working principles of the function units are not describedherein again. For details, see description of the method embodiment.

The UE of this embodiment separately communicates with a macro basestation and a micro base station in a time division multiplexing manner,and a context of the UE is separately created on the macro base stationand the micro base station, so that the macro base station and the microbase station do not need to share a context of the UE in real time,which lowers a requirement on a communication delay of a backhaul linkbetween the macro base station and the micro base station. In this way,the macro base station and the micro base station are not required to beinterconnected by means of optical fibers or high-speed microwaves. Thecoordinated transmission method according to this embodiment is nolonger hindered by the manner in which the macro base station and themicro base station are interconnected, and can be applied to a widerapplication range, which takes full advantage of the coordinatedtransmission technology.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a macro base stationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5,the macro base station of this embodiment includes a third communicationunit 51.

The third communication unit 51 is connected to a UE, and is configuredto communicate with the UE in a subframe in a first subframe set, wherethe UE further communicates with a micro base station in a subframe in asecond subframe set. In this embodiment, the subframe in the firstsubframe set and the subframe in the second subframe set do not overlap.

If a signaling connection of the UE is established on the macro basestation of this embodiment, the macro base station of this embodimentmay further include the following function units.

Optionally, the macro base station of this embodiment further includes:a first sending unit 52, where the first sending unit 52 is connected tothe micro base station, and is configured to send the first subframe setand/or the second subframe set to the micro base station, so that themicro base station acquires the second subframe set. The first sendingunit 52 may specifically determine the first subframe set and/or thesecond subframe set, and send the first subframe set and/or the secondsubframe set to the micro base station. In addition, the first sendingunit 52 is further connected to the third communication unit 51, and isconfigured to provide the first subframe set to the third communicationunit 51.

Optionally, the macro base station of this embodiment further includes:a second sending unit 53, where the second sending unit 53 is connectedto the micro base station, and is configured to send a HARQ processidentifier set that is used by the macro base station and corresponds tothe UE and/or a HARQ process identifier set that is used by the microbase station and corresponds to the UE to the micro base station, sothat the micro base station acquires the HARQ process identifier setthat is used by the micro base station and corresponds to the UE. Thesecond sending unit 53 may determine, by negotiating with the micro basestation, the HARQ process identifier set that is used by the macro basestation and corresponds to the UE and/or the HARQ process identifier setthat is used by the micro base station and corresponds to the UE, andprovides the HARQ process identifier set that is used by the macro basestation and corresponds to the UE and/or the HARQ process identifiersets that is used by the micro base station and corresponds to the UE tothe micro base station. In addition, the second sending unit 53 isfurther connected to the third communication unit 51, and is configuredto provide the HARQ process identifier set that is used by the macrobase station and corresponds to the UE to the third communication unit51.

Optionally, the macro base station of this embodiment further includes:a third sending unit 54, where the third sending unit 54 is connected tothe UE, and is configured to send a first physical layer parameterconfiguration and a second physical layer parameter configurationrespectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set to the UE. In this way, the UE may communicate with themacro base station and the micro base station in the subframe in thefirst subframe set and the second subframe set by using the firstphysical layer parameter configuration and the second physical layerparameter configuration respectively, which improves communicationquality.

In an optional implementation, the macro base station of this embodimentfurther includes: a first acquiring unit 56, where the first acquiringunit 56 is configured to, before the third sending unit 54 sends thefirst physical layer parameter configuration and the second physicallayer parameter configuration to the UE, determine the first physicallayer parameter configuration and receive the second physical layerparameter configuration sent by the micro base station, so as to acquirethe first physical layer parameter configuration and the second physicallayer parameter configuration in advance. The first acquiring unit 56 isconnected to the micro base station and the third sending unit 54, andis configured to provide the first physical layer parameterconfiguration and the second physical layer parameter configuration tothe third sending unit 54. The first acquiring unit 56 is furtherconnected to the third communication unit 51.

In an optional implementation, the macro base station of this embodimentfurther includes: a second acquiring unit 57, where the second acquiringunit 57 is configured to, before the third sending unit 54 sends thefirst physical layer parameter configuration and the second physicallayer parameter configuration to the UE, separately determine the firstphysical layer parameter configuration and the second physical layerparameter configuration. The second acquiring unit 57 is connected tothe third sending unit 54, and is configured to provide the firstphysical layer parameter configuration and the second physical layerparameter configuration to the third sending unit 54. The secondacquiring unit 57 is further connected to the third communication unit51.

Optionally, the third sending unit 54 is further configured to send thesecond physical layer parameter configuration acquired by the secondacquiring unit 57 to the micro base station.

Optionally, the macro base station of this embodiment further includes afourth sending unit 55, where the fourth sending unit 55 is connected tothe UE, and is configured to send a first association relationship tothe UE, where the first association relationship includes an identifierof a logical channel associated with the first subframe set. Based onthis, the third communication unit 51 is specifically configured toreceive, in an uplink subframe in the first subframe set, data, sent bythe UE, on an RB corresponding to the identifier of the logical channelin the first association relationship. The macro base station of thisembodiment configures the first association relationship for the UE byusing the fourth sending unit 55, so that the UE sends, in the uplinksubframe in the first subframe set, data on the RB corresponding to theidentifier of the logical channel in the first association relationshipto the macro base station, which allows data on one or some RBs of theUE to be transmitted only between the UE and one transmit source (thatis, the macro base station). The fourth sending unit 55 is furtherconnected to the third communication unit 51.

In an optional implementation, the fourth sending unit 55 is furtherconfigured to send a second association relationship to the UE, wherethe second association relationship includes an identifier of a logicalchannel associated with the second subframe set, so that the UE sends,in the uplink subframe in the second subframe set, data on an RBcorresponding to the identifier of the logical channel in the secondassociation relationship to the micro base station. The macro basestation of this embodiment configures the second associationrelationship for the UE by using the fourth sending unit 55, so that theUE sends, in the uplink subframe in the second subframe set, data on theRB corresponding to the identifier of the logical channel in the secondassociation relationship to the micro base station, which allows data onone or some RBs of the UE to be transmitted only between the UE and onetransmit source (that is, the micro base station).

In an optional implementation, the macro base station of this embodimentfurther includes: a fifth sending unit 58, where the fifth sending unit58 is configured to send, before the third communication unit 51communicates with the UE in the subframe in the first subframe set, aconfiguration of the first subframe set and/or a configuration of thesecond subframe set to the UE, so that the UE distinguishes between thefirst subframe set and the second subframe set. The fifth sending unit58 is further connected to the first sending unit 52 and the thirdcommunication unit 51.

In an optional implementation, the third communication unit 51 isspecifically configured to communicate in the downlink with the UE inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set.

That the third communication unit 51 is specifically configured tocommunicate in the downlink with the UE in the downlink subframe in thefirst subframe set includes that: the third communication unit 51 isspecifically configured to execute any one of the following operationsor a combination thereof:

the third communication unit 51 is specifically configured to send, inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a CRS and a channeldemodulated based on the CRS to the UE;

the third communication unit 51 is specifically configured to send, inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a PSS to the UE;

the third communication unit 51 is specifically configured to send, inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an SSS to the UE; and

the third communication unit 51 is specifically configured to send, inthe downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an ePDCCH demodulatedbased on a DMRS to the UE.

In an optional implementation, the third communication unit 51 isspecifically configured to communicate in the uplink with the UE in anuplink subframe in the first subframe set.

The function units of the macro base station of this embodiment may beconfigured to execute a corresponding procedure of the coordinatedtransmission method described from the perspective of a macro basestation, and specific working principles of the function units are notdescribed herein again. For details, see description of the methodembodiment.

The macro base station according to this embodiment supports a UE toseparately communicate with the macro base station and a micro basestation in a time division multiplexing manner, and the macro basestation communicates with the UE in a subframe in a first subframe set,so that the macro base station and the micro base station do not need toshare a context of the UE in real time, which lowers a requirement on acommunication delay on an air interface side. In this way, there is nolonger a limitation imposed on an interconnection manner between themacro base station and the micro base station, thereby extendingapplication scenarios and scopes of the coordinated transmissiontechnology. In addition, the macro base station of this embodiment mayfurther solve a plurality of problems that may be confronted during acoordinated transmission procedure. For example, data on a same RB ofthe UE is transmitted only between the UE and one transmit source, whichensures data transmission accuracy. For another example, differentphysical layer parameter configurations are provided for differentsubframe sets, which improves communication quality. For still anotherexample, the macro base station of this embodiment, by exchanging, withthe micro base station, different signals or channels with the UE, whichnot only implements coordinated transmission but also improvescommunication efficiency.

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a micro base stationaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6,the micro base station of this embodiment includes a fourthcommunication unit 61.

The fourth communication unit 61 is connected to a UE, and is configuredto communicate with the UE in a subframe in a second subframe set, wherethe UE further communicates with a macro base station in the subframe inthe first subframe set. In this embodiment, the subframe in the firstsubframe set and the subframe in the second subframe set do not overlap.

Optionally, the micro base station of this embodiment further includes:a fifth receiving unit 62, where the fifth receiving unit 62 isconnected to the macro base station, and is configured to receive thefirst subframe set and/or the second subframe set sent by the macro basestation, so as to acquire the second subframe set. The fifth receivingunit 62 is connected to the fourth communication unit 61, and isconfigured to provide the second subframe set to the fourthcommunication unit 61.

Optionally, the micro base station of this embodiment further includes:a sixth receiving unit 63, where the sixth receiving unit 63 isconnected to the macro base station, and is configured to receive, fromthe macro base station, a HARQ process identifier set that is used bythe macro base station and corresponds to the UE and/or a HARQ processidentifier set that is used by the micro base station and corresponds tothe UE, so as to acquire the HARQ process identifier set that is used bythe micro base station and corresponds to the UE. The sixth receivingunit 63 is connected to the fourth communication unit 61, and isconfigured to provide the HARQ process identifier set that is used bythe micro base station and corresponds to the UE to the fourthcommunication unit 61.

If a signaling connection of the UE is established on the micro basestation of this embodiment, the micro base station of this embodimentmay further include the following function units.

Optionally, the micro base station of this embodiment further includes:a sixth sending unit 64, where the sixth sending unit 64 is connected tothe UE, and is configured to send a first physical layer parameterconfiguration and a second physical layer parameter configurationrespectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the secondsubframe set to the UE. The micro base station of this embodiment mayprovide different physical layer parameter configurations for differentsubframe sets of the UE by using the sixth sending unit 64. In this way,the UE may use corresponding physical layer parameter configurations toperform air interface transmission in subframes in different subframesubsets, which is favorable for adapting to different channel conditionsand is favorable for improving transmission quality.

In an optional implementation, the micro base station of this embodimentfurther includes: a third acquiring unit 66, where the third acquiringunit 66 is configured to, before the sixth sending unit 64 sends thefirst physical layer parameter configuration and the second physicallayer parameter configuration to the UE, determine the second physicallayer parameter configuration, and receive the first physical layerparameter configuration sent by the macro base station. The thirdacquiring unit 66 is connected to the macro base station and the sixthsending unit 64, and is configured to provide the first physical layerparameter configuration and the second physical layer parameterconfiguration to the sixth sending unit 64. The third acquiring unit 66is further connected to the fourth communication unit 61.

In an optional implementation, the micro base station of this embodimentfurther includes: a fourth acquiring unit 67, where the fourth acquiringunit 67 is configured to, before the sixth sending unit 64 sends thefirst physical layer parameter configuration and the second physicallayer parameter configuration to the UE, separately determine the firstphysical layer parameter configuration and the second physical layerparameter configuration. The fourth acquiring unit 67 is connected tothe sixth sending unit 64, and is configured to provide the firstphysical layer parameter configuration and the second physical layerparameter configuration to the sixth sending unit 64. The fourthacquiring unit 67 is further connected to the fourth communication unit61.

Optionally, the sixth sending unit 64 is further connected to the macrobase station, and is further configured to send the first physical layerparameter configuration determined by the fourth acquiring unit 67 tothe macro base station.

Optionally, the micro base station of this embodiment further includes:a seventh sending unit 65, where the seventh sending unit 65 isconnected to the UE, and is configured to send a second associationrelationship to the UE, where the second association relationshipincludes an identifier of a logical channel associated with the secondsubframe set. Based on this, the fourth communication unit 61 isspecifically configured to receive, in an uplink subframe in the secondsubframe set, data, sent by the UE, on an RB corresponding to theidentifier of the logical channel in the second associationrelationship. The micro base station of this embodiment configures thesecond association relationship for the UE by using the seventh sendingunit 65, so that the UE sends, in the uplink subframe in the secondsubframe set, the data on the RB corresponding to the identifier of thelogical channel in the second association relationship to the micro basestation, which allows data on one or some RBs of the UE to betransmitted only between the UE and one transmit source (that is, themicro base station). The seventh sending unit 65 is further connected tothe fourth communication unit 61.

In an optional implementation, the seventh sending unit 65 is furtherconfigured to send a first association relationship to the UE, where thefirst association relationship includes an identifier of a logicalchannel associated with the first subframe set, so that the UE sends, inthe uplink subframe in the first subframe set, data on an RBcorresponding to the identifier of the logical channel in the firstassociation relationship to the macro base station. The micro basestation of this embodiment configures the first association relationshipfor the UE by using the seventh sending unit 65, so that the UE sends,in the uplink subframe in the first subframe set, the data on the RBcorresponding to the identifier of the logical channel in the firstassociation relationship to the macro base station, which allows data onone or some RBs of the UE to be transmitted only between the UE and onetransmit source (that is, the macro base station).

In an optional implementation, the micro base station of this embodimentfurther includes: an eighth sending unit 68, where the eighth sendingunit 68 is connected to the UE, and is configured to send, before thefourth communication unit 61 communicates with the UE in the subframe inthe second subframe set, a configuration of the first subframe setand/or a configuration of the second subframe set to the UE, so that theUE distinguishes between the first subframe set and the second subframeset. The eighth sending unit 68 is connected to the fourth communicationunit 61.

In an optional implementation, the fourth communication unit 61 isspecifically configured to communicate in the downlink with the UE in adownlink subframe in the second subframe set.

That the fourth communication unit 61 is specifically configured tocommunicate in the downlink with the UE in a downlink subframe in thesecond subframe set includes that: the fourth communication unit 61 isspecifically configured to execute any one of the following operationsor a combination thereof:

the fourth communication unit 61 is specifically configured to send aCSI-RS to the UE in the downlink subframe in the second subframe set;and

the fourth communication unit 61 is specifically configured to send aDMRS and a channel demodulated based on the DMRS to the UE in thedownlink subframe in the second subframe set.

In an optional implementation, the fourth communication unit 61 isspecifically configured to communicate in the uplink with the UE in anuplink subframe in the second subframe set.

The function units of the micro base station of this embodiment may beconfigured to execute a corresponding procedure of the coordinatedtransmission method described from the perspective of the micro basestation, and specific working principles of the function units are notdescribed herein again. For details, see description of the methodembodiment.

The micro base station according to this embodiment supports a UE toseparately communicate with a macro base station and the micro basestation in a time division multiplexing manner, and the micro basestation communicates with the UE in a subframe in a second subframe set,so that the macro base station and the micro base station do not need toshare a context of the UE in real time, which lowers a requirement on acommunication delay on an air interface side. In this way, there is nolonger a limitation imposed on an interconnection manner between themacro base station and the micro base station, thereby extendingapplication scenarios and scopes of the coordinated transmissiontechnology. In addition, the micro base station of this embodiment mayfurther solve a plurality of problems that may be confronted during acoordinated transmission procedure. For example, data on a same RB ofthe UE is transmitted only between the UE and one transmit source, whichensures data transmission accuracy. For another example, differentphysical layer parameter configurations are provided for differentsubframe sets, which improves communication quality. For still anotherexample, the micro base station of this embodiment, by exchanging, witha macro base station, different signals or channels with the UE, notonly implements coordinated transmission but also improves communicationefficiency.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art may understand that all or a partof the steps of the method embodiments may be implemented by a programinstructing relevant hardware. The program may be stored in a computerreadable storage medium. When the program runs, the steps of the methodembodiments are performed. The foregoing storage medium includes anymedium that can store program code, such as a ROM, a RAM, a magneticdisk, or an optical disc.

Finally, it should be noted that the foregoing embodiments are merelyintended to describe the technical solutions of the present invention,and not to limit the present invention. Although the present inventionis described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments,persons of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they maystill make modifications to the technical solutions described in theforegoing embodiments or make equivalent replacements to some or alltechnical features thereof, without departing from the scope of thetechnical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

1. A coordinated transmission method, comprising: sending, by a macro base station, a first association relationship and a second association relationship, wherein the first association relationship comprises an identifier of a first logical channel associated with a first subframe set, the second association relationship comprises an identifier of a second logical channel associated with a second subframe set; and receiving, by the macro base station in a first uplink subframe in the first subframe set according to the first association relationship, data on a first radio bearer corresponding to the identifier of the first logical channel in the first association relationship, the first logical channel having a one-to-one correspondence with the first radio bearer.
 2. The coordinated transmission method according to claim 1, wherein a downlink subframe in the first subframe set meets that, if a downlink subframe n belongs to the first subframe set, a downlink subframe (n+8) also belongs to the first subframe set.
 3. The coordinated transmission method according to claim 2, wherein an uplink subframe in the first subframe set meets that, if a downlink subframe n belongs to the first subframe set, an uplink subframe (n+4) also belongs to the first subframe set.
 4. The coordinated transmission method according to claim 1, further comprising: sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a cell-specific RS (CRS) and a channel demodulated based on the CRS; or sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a primary synchronization signal (PSS); or sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a secondary synchronization signal (SSS); or sending, by the macro base station in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an evolved physical downlink control channel (ePDCCH) that is demodulated based on a demodulation reference signals (DMRS).
 5. The coordinated transmission method according to claim 1, further comprising: sending, by the macro base station to the UE, a first physical layer parameter configuration and a second physical layer parameter configuration respectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the second subframe set.
 6. The coordinated transmission method according to claim 5, further comprising: determining, by the macro base station, the first physical layer parameter configuration; and receiving the second physical layer parameter configuration sent by a micro base station.
 7. The coordinated transmission method according to claim 5, further comprising: determining, by the macro base station, the first physical layer parameter configuration and the second physical layer parameter configuration separately; and sending, by the macro base station, the second physical layer parameter configuration to the micro base station.
 8. A device, comprising: a memory storing instructions; and a processor coupled to the memory to execute the instructions to: send a first association relationship and a second association relationship to a user equipment (UE), wherein the first association relationship comprises an identifier of a first logical channel associated with a first subframe set, the second association relationship comprises an identifier of a second logical channel associated with a second subframe set; and receive, in a first uplink subframe in the first subframe set according to the first association relationship, data on a first radio bearer corresponding to the identifier of the first logical channel in the first association relationship, the first logical channel having a one-to-one correspondence with the first radio bearer.
 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein a downlink subframe in the first subframe set meets that, if a downlink subframe n belongs to the first subframe set, a downlink subframe (n+8) also belongs to the first subframe set.
 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein an uplink subframe in the first subframe set meets that, if a downlink subframe n belongs to the first subframe set, an uplink subframe (n+4) also belongs to the first subframe set.
 11. The device according to claim 8, wherein the processor is further configured to send, in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a cell-specific RS (CRS) and a channel demodulated based on the CRS; or send, in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a primary synchronization signal (PSS); or send, in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a secondary synchronization signal (SSS); or send, in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an evolved physical downlink control channel (ePDCCH) that is demodulated based on a demodulation reference signals (DMRS).
 12. The device according to claim 8, the processor is further configured to: send to the UE, a first physical layer parameter configuration and a second physical layer parameter configuration respectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the second subframe set.
 13. The device according to claim 12, the processor is further configured to: determine the first physical layer parameter configuration; and receive the second physical layer parameter configuration sent by a micro base station.
 14. The device according to claim 12, the processor is further configured to: determine the first physical layer parameter configuration and the second physical layer parameter configuration separately; and send the second physical layer parameter configuration to the micro base station.
 15. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a coordinated transmission method, the method comprising: sending a first association relationship and a second association relationship, wherein the first association relationship comprises an identifier of a first logical channel associated with a first subframe set, the second association relationship comprises an identifier of a second logical channel associated with a second subframe set; and receiving, in a first uplink subframe in the first subframe set according to the first association relationship, data on a first radio bearer corresponding to the identifier of the first logical channel in the first association relationship, the first logical channel having a one-to-one correspondence with the first radio bearer.
 16. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein a downlink subframe in the first subframe set meets that, if a downlink subframe n belongs to the first subframe set, a downlink subframe (n+8) also belongs to the first subframe set.
 17. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 16, wherein an uplink subframe in the first subframe set meets that, if a downlink subframe n belongs to the first subframe set, an uplink subframe (n+4) also belongs to the first subframe set.
 18. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: sending, in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a cell-specific RS (CRS) and a channel demodulated based on the CRS; or sending, in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a primary synchronization signal (PSS); or sending, in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, a secondary synchronization signal (SSS); or sending, in the downlink subframe in the first subframe set, an evolved physical downlink control channel (ePDCCH) that is demodulated based on a demodulation reference signals (DMRS).
 19. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: sending to the UE a first physical layer parameter configuration and a second physical layer parameter configuration respectively corresponding to the first subframe set and the second subframe set.
 20. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the method further comprises: determining the first physical layer parameter configuration; and receiving the second physical layer parameter configuration sent by a micro base station. 